Learning Objectives

[Skip Breadcrumb Navigation]

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

Discuss how the 2004 presidential election reflects the distinctive features of American democracy.
Explain why elections are the "key" ingredient in American politics and why there are half a million elected officials in America.
Explain the seven developments that have contributed to the "permanent campaign."
Delineate the various types of elections in for officeholders and policy issues.
Explain Aristotle's classification of governments, representative democracy, and the popular and responsible models.
Describe the changes that have led the authors to title their textbook, The New American Democracy.
Explain the significance of minority and majority relationships to elections in America.
Review the pros and cons of electoral reform.
Describe the benefits of the American electoral system.
Review how elections are carried out in other democracies.

[Return to the Top of this Page]